Packaging Manager

Job description

## Job Description The Packaging Manager serves as the organisation's packaging technology expert, leading highly complex packaging projects, technology platforms, and strategic initiatives. The role drives packaging innovation, develops long-term technology pipelines, and connects internal teams with external technology ecosystems to identify and implement solutions that support growth, sustainability, quality, efficiency, and business performance. ## Key Responsibilities ### Strategic Packaging Leadership - Independently lead highly complex packaging projects, platforms, and technical workstreams. - Shape packaging technology strategy and contribute to long-term innovation roadmaps and 5 to 10-year packaging plans. - Partner with senior R&D leadership to identify future technology opportunities and business growth enablers. - Build and maintain a robust packaging innovation pipeline across business units and regions. ### Technical Expertise - Act as the recognized subject matter expert for packaging technologies, materials, processes, and emerging trends. - Provide technical guidance, feasibility assessments, and scientific expertise to packaging development teams globally. - Evaluate and recommend packaging technologies that improve product performance, quality, sustainability, and operational efficiency. - Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with packaging solutions and implementation activities. ### Innovation & External Partnerships - Research and assess emerging technologies, materials, manufacturing processes, and industry developments. - Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, research institutions, industry associations, and external technology partners. - Evaluate new technologies for potential application within the Kraft Heinz portfolio. - Provide recommendations related to intellectual property, implementation constraints, and technology partnerships. ### Global Collaboration & Influence - Collaborate with packaging developers, technology leads, procurement partners, and cross-functional stakeholders across global regions. - Lead technical discussions in global forums and influence decisions through deep technical expertise and business acumen. - Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to non-technical audiences, including senior leaders. - Coach and mentor packaging professionals to strengthen organisational capability. ### Business Performance - Support delivery of innovation, productivity, sustainability, and value engineering objectives. - Influence investment and technology decisions with significant business impact. - Drive initiatives that enhance business growth, operational performance, quality outcomes, and cost efficiencies. ## Key Stakeholders ### Internal - R&D Directors - R&D Leadership Teams - Packaging Developers and Engineers - Product and Process Experts - Global Technology Leads - Global and Regional Procurement Teams - Senior Leadership Forums and Governance Boards ### External - Packaging Suppliers - Material and Technology Providers - Research Institutions - Industry Networks and Associations - Innovation and Technology Partners ## Decision-Making Authority - Leads decisions regarding packaging technology selection, technical feasibility, and platform direction. - Provides recommendations to senior leadership regarding technology adoption, strategic partnerships, intellectual property considerations, and implementation approaches. - Operates with a high degree of independence while aligning decisions with company strategy and governance. ## Financial Impact - Influences packaging investments and technology decisions with an area of impact exceeding **€800K**. - Contributes to financial performance through innovation, risk reduction, quality improvement, operational efficiency, and business growth initiatives. ## Qualifications ### Education - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, Food Science, or a related technical discipline. ### Experience - Minimum 10+ years of packaging development experience within a complex, matrix organisation. - Demonstrated leadership of highly complex packaging projects, technology platforms, or innovation programmes. - Experience influencing senior stakeholders and leading cross-functional initiatives across multiple regions. ## Key Competencies ### Technical & Strategic - Expert knowledge of packaging technologies, materials, processes, and manufacturing systems. - Technology scouting and pipeline development. - Innovation strategy and long-term roadmap planning. - Scientific and technical problem solving. - Risk assessment and feasibility evaluation. ### Leadership & Collaboration - Strategic influencing and stakeholder management. - Executive communication and presentation skills. - Coaching and mentoring. - Global collaboration and network building. - Strong ownership, judgement, and decision-making capability. ### Success Measures - Delivery of strategic packaging innovation initiatives. - Strength of packaging technology pipeline. - Adoption of new packaging technologies and materials. - Contribution to sustainability, quality, and productivity objectives. - Stakeholder satisfaction and influence across global packaging networks. - Development and coaching of packaging talent. ## Location(s) Nijmegen **Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes****.**